John Gibbons' son, Madhi Hayes was shot and killed December 20, 2012 in Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The father of a man, murdered last month, says the key to curbing Grand Rapids' rise in violence is a program that will help at-risk teenagers find their talents.

Madhi Hayes, 20, was shot and killed near Prince Street on December 20. Since December, there have been nine murders in Grand Rapids. Local pastors, community members and police will meet Friday to address the crime streak.

John Gibbons says any conversation about crime needs to include teenagers and young adults most at risk of being victims or offenders.

"It's a start and it's good to see that the police department is saying we're going to put our efforts into this more concertedly. It's good to hear," said Gibbons.

Friday's community meeting to stop the violence starts at 8 a.m. at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church on Henry Avenue SE.